Canadian Horse Meat Trade

Canada's secret multi-million dollar operation of horse meat trade.

Canadian Horse Meat Trade

Many people are not aware of Canada's secret multi-million dollar operation of the horse meat trade. It is much closer to home than you'd think. It is a horrific industry where thousands of innocent horses are slaughtered for human consumption. Canada has become the leading horse meat supplier and distributor, exporting over 4,800 live horses each year. Most of the live horses are shipped to Japan where they are slaughtered to produce thinly sliced horse flesh called "basashi", a popular delicacy.

The physical transportation of the live horses is just the beginning of the cruel journey to death. Three to four horses are packed into tiny wooden crates for the flight. Most of the time, the horses will bite at each other due to the stress of being crammed together and unfamiliar with each other. The horses do not have food or water and cannot rest for more than 20 hours. It is not uncommon for a horse to die during the transport as some become too weak. Once they arrive to Japan, they are transported in overcrowded trailers to the slaughter house.

It's hard to imagine that these horses were once someone's prized possession, who have become old, sick, injured or abandoned. Instead of being cherished, they are sent away to end their life with an incredible amount of torture.

It's time for a change. We need to stand together and protect the horses. Please click hereto sign the petition for the Canadian Government to end live horse shipments.

Horses at the Bouvry Export feedlot in Fort Macleod, Alberta held solely for meat. Thousands are shipped every year live to Japan for slaughter. Credit: https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/zmegw4/tracking-canadas-horse-slaughtering-trade-from-alberta-to-japan

Four horses crammed into a wooden crate for transportation to Slaughter in Japan. Shipped out of Calgary international airport.

Horses unable to stand in a natural position for 20+ hours. Head and ears hitting top of wooden transport crate. Credit: https://defendhorsescanada.org/a-consolidated-review-of-the-live-draft-horse-shipments-from-canada-to-japan

Horses on their way to Calgary Airport to be shipped for slaughter in Japan. Credit: https://defendhorsescanada.org/a-consolidated-review-of-the-live-draft-horse-shipments-from-canada-to-japan